Used Car Buying Question - need answers

So i am hoping i'm not going down the path of a used car buying horror story, but let me tell you what has happened, and somebody with knowledge can set me straight.

About two weeks ago, I bought a used Ford truck from a major dealership in the NoVA area. I will not name them as i have friends that work there and do not want to stir up any trouble at this point. I bought a fantastic used truck that is older, but runs and drives well, and looks good. They gave me only a paper registration card, that will expire on March 30.

I have made two attempts at getting the title. The day i bought the truck, they told me they will mail the title to me. One week later after no mail, i called the dealership and they said not to worry, that they were "sending that soon".

Another week went by and I have nothing. Today, i called the dealership again, asked about the title - they told me they didn't know, and would ask their title clerk to research it on Monday. I asked the person straight up if the vehicle actually had a title when they took it in - he said "I don't know".

What happens to me if it comes to find out that this truck does not have a title, or that the dealership never got it from the previous owner? Am I going to have to give the truck back? I really like this truck but it is useless if I have no way to register / tag it. What happens if the dealership, for whatever reason, cannot get the title??

So i am hoping i'm not going down the path of a used car buying horror story, but let me tell you what has happened, and somebody with knowledge can set me straight.

About two weeks ago, I bought a used Ford truck from a major dealership in the NoVA area. I will not name them as i have friends that work there and do not want to stir up any trouble at this point. I bought a fantastic used truck that is older, but runs and drives well, and looks good. They gave me only a paper registration card, that will expire on March 30.

I have made two attempts at getting the title. The day i bought the truck, they told me they will mail the title to me. One week later after no mail, i called the dealership and they said not to worry, that they were "sending that soon".

Another week went by and I have nothing. Today, i called the dealership again, asked about the title - they told me they didn't know, and would ask their title clerk to research it on Monday. I asked the person straight up if the vehicle actually had a title when they took it in - he said "I don't know".

What happens to me if it comes to find out that this truck does not have a title, or that the dealership never got it from the previous owner? Am I going to have to give the truck back? I really like this truck but it is useless if I have no way to register / tag it. What happens if the dealership, for whatever reason, cannot get the title??
It's only been two weeks relax .Pretty sure the dealer is going to register the truck for you,once that is done you will get your title .The pink copy you have now is enough .

Do you own a Shotgun?
Probably be fine. It is unfathomable to think that a reputable dealer would jack around with a vehicle without clear title.......

Yeah two weeks is a little too soon to get too worked up.

Snake, you a little anxious bro?

Snake, you a little anxious bro?

I am a little anxious because when i did the purchase - i only paid for the temp tag, i did not pay for the title transfer / etc. - because i had tags from an old truck that i sold, that i wanted to transfer over. They were supposed to mail me the regular title so i could take it to DMV myself and do the paperwork....

Thanks for the replies guys - i will wait another week and see what happens. I have bought used before from a car lot, and it has never taken two weeks to get the title. Thanks again

I am a little anxious because when i did the purchase - i only paid for the temp tag, i did not pay for the title transfer / etc. - because i had tags from an old truck that i sold, that i wanted to transfer over. They were supposed to mail me the regular title so i could take it to DMV myself and do the paperwork....

Thanks for the replies guys - i will wait another week and see what happens. I have bought used before from a car lot, and it has never taken two weeks to get the title. Thanks again

Ok , now I understand but still your temp dealer tags are good for anywhere from 30 to 60 days (or should be).

So as of today the title is being sent to me by certified mail. I did get the notification in my mail box this afternoon. I am glad of this, but its unfortunate because the mail carrier here will try delivering 3 times before they hold it at the post office. Each time that they will come, i will be at work, unable to sign for the package :( But at least i know i'll have it soon. Thanks everybody

on the card, you can tell them to hold it instead of trying to redeliver, so you can get it 2 days sooner.

on the card, you can tell them to hold it instead of trying to redeliver, so you can get it 2 days sooner.

This. No sense wasting the postman's time when you already know you won't be there.